Pre-cast building system

ABSTRACT

A pre-cast building system includes a plurality of modular, pre-cast components. There is an elongate footing component having an upwardly facing longitudinal channel and a longitudinal first keyway section formed therein. One end of the footing component carries a pocket and the opposite end carries an insertion member for interengaging the pocket of an adjacent, aligned footing component. An elongate foundation component is received in the channel. A lower edge of the foundation component includes a second, complementary keyway section that faces the first keyway section to form an elongate keyway that receives a bonding adhesive. An exterior wall component is interengaged with the opposite upper edge of the foundation wall component. A pair of opposing receptacles are formed respectively in the upper edge of the foundation component and the lower edge of the exterior wall component. These receptacles face one another and receive a connector component that interlocks the foundation component and the exterior wall component. The inside surface of the foundation component carries a longitudinal ledge on which a peripheral portion of a pre-cast floor slab is supported. The upper edge of the exterior wall panel includes an inverted receptacle that accommodates a roof tie down component such that the positioning of the component may be adjusted.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/201,235 filed May 1, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a pre-cast building system and, moreparticularly, to a system that employs a plurality of modular pre-castconcrete components that are assembled more quickly and efficiently, andfar less expensively than the components of conventional buildingsystems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Construction of a conventional cement block building is typicallya very involved process, featuring various tasks that must be carefullycoordinated. For example, initially a footing trench is excavated andreinforcing steel is arranged in the trench. The job is then haltedwhile the work is inspected. After inspection, concrete footings arepoured and cement blocks are installed to create a foundation wall. Thedirt within the foundation is then graded and compacted. Construction isstopped again to allow the plumber, air conditioning contractor andelectrical contractor to install appropriate pipes and conduits. Each ofthese installations must undergo multiple inspections. Eventually, aconcrete floor is poured and finished. After the floor is allowed tosufficiently harden, concrete blocks are assembled to form the exteriorwalls of the building. A further inspection of the reinforcing steelused in the blocks is then required. After the cement blocks areinstalled, the concrete finishing work must be performed. Skilledconcrete artisans complete a number of finishing tasks before the roofof the building is installed. Immediately before the roof isconstructed, the workers insert steel anchors into the concrete at thetop of the wall to fasten the roof framing members to the wall. Theseanchors must be installed at precise locations and depths. The foregoingconstruction process is complicated even further when a wood floorsystem employing a tie beam is involved. Standard poured or pre-castconcrete buildings employ an analogous procedure. Instead of usingblocks, concrete forms are utilized to build the foundation and exteriorwalls.

[0004] The known concrete construction techniques described above arefairly complex, time consuming and expensive. Multiple crews of highlypaid skilled tradesmen are required to perform the respective tasks.Work schedules must be precisely coordinated. Delays in the delivery ofmaterials, adverse weather conditions, inspection delays and otherproblems can be extremely costly and detrimental to the project,particularly when time is of the essence. One or more errors ormiscalculations during construction can delay the project and drive upcosts even further. Human error frequently accompanies the assembly andinstallation of the concrete building components. Mistakes areparticularly common because each of the primary components (e.g.footing, foundation and exterior wall) is built “in the field”, i.e. atthe job site.

[0005] A need currently exists for a simpler, more efficient concretebuilding system, which utilizes modular parts and which can be installedquickly and precisely, with little risk of error, even when inexpensive,unskilled workers are used to perform the work.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a highlyefficient pre-cast building system that permits a concrete building tobe constructed much more quickly and more accurately, but far lessexpensively than previously accomplished using conventional concrete andcement block building systems.

[0007] It is a further object of this invention to provide a buildingsystem employing modular concrete components pre-cast in a factoryrather than in the field so that expense is reduced and quality controlis significantly improved.

[0008] It is a further object of this invention to provide a buildingsystem that may be installed rapidly and relatively inexpensively, evenby a fairly small team of unskilled or semi-skilled workers.

[0009] It is a further object of this invention to provide a buildingsystem that significantly reduces the need for multiple inspections atvarious points of the construction process and which therebysignificantly reduces construction delays and costs.

[0010] It is a further object of this invention to provide a buildingsystem that may be reliably assembled in a virtually fail-safe mannerthereby reducing construction delays and cost overruns.

[0011] It is a further object of this invention to provide a buildingsystem that permits roof tie downs to be positioned quickly,conveniently and accurately even by unskilled laborers.

[0012] It is a further object of this invention to provide a pre-castconcrete building system employing modular components that interlocksimply and securely and which provide the finished building withexceptionally strong structural integrity and durability.

[0013] It is a further object of this invention to provide a pre-castconcrete building system that exhibits extremely high quality but at farless cost than that of conventional construction systems.

[0014] It is a further object of this invention to provide a pre-castconcrete building system that achieves an aesthetically attractivebuilding.

[0015] It is a further object of this invention to provide a buildingsystem that is extremely resistant to severe weather, fire and insectintrusion.

[0016] It is a further object of this invention to provide a pre-castconcrete building system that is extremely energy efficient.

[0017] This invention features a pre-cast building system including aplurality of pre-cast modular components composed of concrete or othersuitable building material. Specifically, this system includes anelongate footing component that is installed within a trench in theground. The footing component includes an upwardly facing longitudinalchannel that receives a lower edge of an elongate foundation component.A longitudinal first keyway section is formed in the channel of thefooting component. That keyway section faces and is generally alignedwith a complementary second longitudinal keyway section formed in thelower edge of the foundation wall component. The aligned keyway sectionsdefine an elongate keyway. An adhesive material is introduced into thekeyway to secure together the footing component and the foundation wallcomponent. The foundation wall component also includes an interior lipor ledge that supports a floor slab of the building. An upper orexterior wall component includes a lower edge that interengages an upperedge of the foundation wall component. A pair of opposing receptaclesare formed respectively in the upper edge of the foundation wallcomponent and in the lower edge of the exterior wall component. Thereceptacles include complementary configurations that enable theopposing receptacles to receive a connector element that securestogether the exterior wall component and the foundation wall component.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the abutting keyway sections in thefooting component and the foundation wall component have opposingdovetail shapes. The opposing receptacles in the foundation wallcomponent and the exterior wall component may include complementary “T”shapes and each of the opposing receptacles may extend longitudinallyfor the length of the foundation wall component and the exterior wallcomponent, respectively. The connector element may have a generally “Z”shaped configuration that fits within the aligned “T” shaped receptaclesto hold together the foundation wall component and the exterior wallcomponent.

[0019] One of the longitudinal ends of the foundation wall component mayinclude a tongue and the other end of the foundation wall component mayinclude a complementarily shaped groove. When a pair of foundation wallcomponents are aligned and abutted, the tongue of one of the componentsis receivable in the groove of the other component to interlock theadjoining components. Similarly, each exterior wall component mayinclude a vertical edge that carries a longitudinal tongue. The othervertical edge of the exterior wall component may carry an elongategroove that receives the tongue of an adjacent exterior wall componentto interlock a pair of adjoining exterior wall components. One end ofeach footing component may carry an upwardly facing pocket and theopposite end of the footing component may carry a downwardly facing pegor insertion member. When a pair of footing components are aligned andinterengaged, the peg of one of the components is inserted into thepocket of the adjacent component to interlock the adjoining components.The orientation of the pocket and the insertion member may be reversed.An adhesive may be introduced between the tongue and grooveinterconnections of the exterior wall and foundation wall components aswell as between the pocket and peg of the adjoining footer components.

[0020] The building system of this invention may also include assortedcomer components. For example, a corner footing component may include apair of elongate footing sections that are unitarily interconnected atan angle of 90° or otherwise. Each of the elongate footing sections mayinclude a longitudinal channel and a longitudinal keyway section withinthe channel, analogous to the elements previously described for theelongate footing components. The channel and keyway sections of therespective footing sections interconnect at the same angle at which thefooting sections interconnect. Each elongate footing section of thecorner footing component may carry at its distal end either a pocket orinsertion member as previously described. These parts interengage withcomplementary connecting parts (i.e. a pocket interengages an insertionmember and vice versa) carried by adjoining elongate footing components.

[0021] A corner foundation wall component may include simply an elongatemember having a receptacle and an interior ledge as previouslydescribed. In this piece, the ledge does not extend for the entirelength of the component. Rather, it stops short of one end of thecomponent and thereby forms a notch proximate that end of the cornercomponent. A transverse tongue is formed on the comer component withinthe notch. The notch receives a complementary end of an adjacentstandard foundation wall component such that the groove formed in oneend of the latter component receives the transverse tongue of the cornercomponent. As a result, a completed foundation corner part is formed.

[0022] A corner exterior wall component may include a pair of panelspermanently interconnected at an angle of less than 180° and preferablyabout 90°. An elongate wall groove is formed in the distal vertical edgeof one of the panels and an elongate tongue is formed along the distalvertical edge of the other panel. Each panel includes a receptacleanalogous to that previously described and formed in the bottom edge ofthe panel. The receptacles in the respective panels intersect proximatethe vertex of the component. The corner exterior wall componentinterengages and interlocks with a pair of previously described exteriorwall components. The tongue carried by the vertical edge of one of thecorner panels fits into the groove of an adjoining exterior wallcomponent. The groove carried along the vertical edge of the othercorner panel receives the tongue of a second exterior wall component.

[0023] The upper edges of the exterior wall component and the cornerexterior wall component may include a longitudinal receptacle. Thatreceptacle may have a general T-shaped cross-sectional configuration forreceiving a roof truss tie down component in a slidable fashion.

[0024] Each receptacle described herein may comprise an insert that ispre-cast into its respective component. The insert has an opening withthe configuration described above (e.g. the “T” shaped configuration)for receiving an associated connector element (e.g. the “Z” shapedconnector interengaging the foundation wall and exterior wallcomponents, and the typically “L” shaped roof truss tie down componentattached at the upper edge of the exterior wall component).

[0025] An upper surface of the ledge carried by the foundation wallcomponent may include a longitudinal groove. The groove receives a sealthat restricts passage of insects between the floor slab and foundationwall component.

[0026] Transverse holes may be formed through the footing components andthe corner footing components to reduce the weight of those components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Other objects, features and advantages will occur from thefollowing description of a preferred embodiment and the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

[0028]FIG. 1 is a perspective, partially exploded view of a section of abuilding constructed utilizing the pre-cast building system of thisinvention; FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view illustrating theinterengagement between the footing component, foundation component andupper or exterior wall component of the system;

[0029]FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a representative footingcomponent;

[0030]FIG. 4 is an elevational end view of the footing component facingthe end of the component that carries the insertion member;

[0031]FIG. 5 is an elevational end view of the footing component facingthe end of the component that carries the pocket;

[0032]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a corner footing component inaccordance with this invention;

[0033]FIG. 7 is an elevational side view of a representative foundationcomponent according to this invention;

[0034]FIG. 8 is an elevational end view of the foundation componenttaken along line D-D of FIG. 7;

[0035]FIG. 9 is a cross sectional top view of a pair of adjoiningfoundation components, which particularly illustrates the tongue andgroove interconnection between those components;

[0036]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a preferred corner foundationcomponent according to this invention;

[0037]FIG. 11 is an elevational side view of a representative exteriorwall component according to this invention;

[0038]FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the exterior wall componenttaken along line F-F of FIG. 11; and

[0039]FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a preferred corner exterior wallcomponent according to this invention.

[0040] There is shown in FIG. 1 a pre-cast building system 10 thatcomprises a plurality of modular pre-cast components designed to beassembled in a quick, efficient and very inexpensive manner, yet whichprovide superior structural integrity. It should be understood that eachof the components of this system is typically composed of a conventionalbuilding material such as concrete. Various alternative substances thatexhibit a high strength and that are suitable for use in buildingapplications may also be employed. When cement or concrete componentsare employed, conventional rebar may be cast within the components toenhance the strength of the components. The specifics of the casting andreinforcing steps are well known to persons skilled in the art and donot comprise a feature of this invention.

[0041] Building system 10 includes, as its principal parts, footingcomponents 12, foundation components 14 and upper or exterior wallcomponents 16. Each component is pre-cast. Components 12, 14 and 16 areinterengaged in the manner best shown in FIG. 2. System 10 also includespre-cast corner components. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 1, thereis a corner footing component 18, a corner foundation component 20 and acorner upper or exterior wall component 22. The precise manner ofinterconnecting these corner components to one another and to thefooting, foundation and exterior wall components is described more fullybelow.

[0042] It should be understood that a typical building comprises anumber of sections that include components 12, 14 and 16 interengaged asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A typical building will also include a number ofinterengaged corner components. The structure of a representative one ofeach of the components is described herein. It should be understood thata similar construction applies for each other modular component of aparticular type.

[0043] Footing component 12 is installed in a conventional footingtrench formed in the building site. Component 12, which is depicted byitself in FIGS. 3-5, includes an elongate body portion 24 that supportsa tapered, upwardly facing surface 26. At the upper end of surface 26there is formed a raised longitudinal section 27 that contains alongitudinal, upwardly facing channel 28. A dovetail shaped first keywaysection 30 is formed in the base of channel 28. Keyway section 30extends for the entire length of the channel.

[0044] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5, each footing component 12carries a pair of extension sections 34 and 36 that are connectedunitarily to respective ends of body section 24. Extension section 34extends from one end of the footing component proximate the top of thecomponent and second extension section 36 projects from the opposite endof the footing component proximate the bottom of the component. As bestshown in FIGS. 1 and 4, extension section 34 supports an extension ofthe previously described tapered surface 26 as well as extensions ofraised section 27, channel 28 and keyway section 30. The bottom surfaceof section 34 carries a downwardly facing insertion member or peg 38.This peg is unitarily connected to the remainder of extension portion 34and has a generally rectangular or square configuration.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, each extension section 36 is unitarilyconnected to body section 24 of footing component 12. Extension portion36 includes a generally square or otherwise rectangular shaped pocket 40that faces upwardly. Extension sections 34 and 36 are constructed suchthat peg 38 and pocket 40 have complementary shapes and sizes and arepositioned to interlockably interengage when the upper extension section34 of one footing component overlaps the lower extension section 36 ofan adjacent footing component 12. In this manner, a pair of adjoiningfooting components are secured together. An appropriate bonding agentmay be introduced into the pocket to strengthen this interengagement.Any selected number of adjoining footing components may beinterconnected in this manner to form a generally linear footingarrangement. When the footing components are so arranged, the channels28 and keyway sections 30 of the respective footing components aresimilarly aligned to define a continuous channel and keyway sectionalong the entire length of the assembled footing. As shown in FIGS. 1and 3, each footing component 12 may include a plurality of transversearches or openings 42. These permit the footing components to employless material so that weight and cost are reduced. At the same time,strength and durability are not sacrificed.

[0046] At each corner of the building, there is formed a corner footingcomponent 18, FIG. 1. This component is similarly disposed in a standardfooting trench and is typically interconnected between the ends of twotransverse footing components 12. Each such component typically traces arespective side of the building. Corner component 18 is depicted byitself in FIG. 6. The corner footing component includes a pair ofelongate footing sections 50 and 52, which are unitarily interconnectedat an angle of 90° or otherwise. Typically, the corner footing sectionis pre-cast or molded in a single piece. Alternatively, multiple piecesmay be used. Each footing section of the corner component includes anelongate body 24 a, best shown in FIG. 1. A tapered upper section 26 aextends upwardly from body section 24 a. A raised section 27 a extendsupwardly from tapered section 26 a. A channel 28 a extendslongitudinally through each of the footing sections 50 and 52. Agenerally dovetail shaped keyway section 30 a having a size andconfiguration identical to previously described keyway section 30 isformed through each of the footing sections 50 and 52. As best shown inFIG. 6, the channels 28 and keyway sections 30 a of the respectivefooting sections 50 and 52 join in a mitered fashion at the junction ofsections 50 and 52. As a result, channels 28 a and keyway sections 30 aform a perpendicular angle.

[0047] Each corner component 18 also includes a pair of cornerextensions 54 and 56, FIGS. 1 and 6. Each extension projects from thedistal end of one of the sections 50 and 52 and, more particularly, fromthe body section 24 a of that particular footing section. A rectangularpocket 40 a having a size and shape that are analogous to previouslydescribed pocket 40, is formed in each of the upwardly facing surfacesof extension sections 54 and 56. Each of the pockets lockably receives arespective peg 38 that projects downwardly from and adjacent footingcomponent 12. Once again, a suitable adhesive may be placed in pockets40 a. In this manner, each linear section of interconnected footingcomponents 12 is secured to a respective section 50, 52 of cornerfooting component 18. In alternative versions, the insertion members andpockets may be reversed such that the corner component carries pegs andthe elongate footing components have pockets that engage those pegs. Aswith the linear footing components 12, corner component 18 includes aplurality of transverse arches or holes 42 a, which reduce material,weight and expense, while maintaining strength of the component.

[0048] A representative one of the linear foundation components 14 isdepicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. Component 14 includes a panel 60 thatfeatures a flat outer surface 62. The inner surface 64 of component 14carries a unitary lip or ledge 66. As best shown in FIG. 2, ledge 66supports the peripheral edge of a standard concrete floor slab 68. Theledge is positioned along inside wall 64 of component 14 such that whenslab 68 is laid within the foundation, the upper surface 70 of the slabis generally level with the upper edge 72 of component 14. The upwardlyfacing surface of ledge 66 preferably includes a longitudinal groove 74.That groove receives a seal 76 that interengages ledge 66 and the bottomsurface of slab 68. Seal 74 prevents insects from intruding into thefinished building between foundation component 14 and slab 68.

[0049] Foundation component 14 includes lower and upper edges 72 and 74respectively. As best shown in FIG. 2, lower edge 74 is received withinlongitudinal channel 28 of footing component 12. A second dovetailshaped keyway section 78 is formed longitudinally in lower edge 74 ofcomponent 14. Keyway section 78 faces the first keyway section 30 formedin footing component 12. As a result, the opposing keyway sections 30and 78 define an elongate locking keyway. Foundation component 14 isinserted into footing component 12 in the manner shown in FIG. 2. Anadhesive grout or similar bonding substance is pumped through thealigned keyway sections 30 and 78. This material is allowed to harden,which permanently secures foundation component 14 within channel 68 offooting component 12. Channel 68 is approximately 2″ deep so that thefoundation component may be adjusted relative to the footing component.This enables the foundation component to be quickly and convenientlyleveled when necessary.

[0050] A receptacle 80 is formed in upper edge 72 of wall component 14.Receptacle 80 preferably extends for the entire length of component 14and includes a generally inverted T-shaped cross sectionalconfiguration. The receptacle may simply comprise a void formed or castinto the upper edge of the foundation component, although preferably,the receptacle is defined by a metal or plastic insert having the crosssectional shape depicted.

[0051] As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, one vertical side edge ofcomponent 14 carries an elongate tongue element 82. The oppositevertical side edge of the foundation component includes an elongategroove 84 formed therein. Tongue 82 and groove 84 include complementarytapered shapes, best shown in FIG. 9. Each component 14 includes atongue along one vertical edge and a groove in the other vertical edge.Accordingly, adjoining components 14, illustrated in FIG. 9, areinterengaged by introducing the tongue 82 from one of the componentsinto the groove 84 of the adjoining component. This interlocks adjacentfoundation components. An adhesive may be introduced between the tongueand groove interconnection to enhance the interconnection.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1, corner foundation component 20 interconnectstwo lengths of adjoining foundation components 14 at a 90° angle. Othernon perpendicular angles may be utilized. Component 20 is shown alone inFIG. 10. That component actually comprises a pair of individuallypre-cast components 90 and 14 a that are joined in the manner describedbelow. It should be noted that component 14 a features a constructionthat is analogous to the previously described linear foundationcomponents 14. FIG. 10 shows component 14 a looking down on upper edge72. The ledge 74 that projects from the inside surface of component 14 ais also clearly visible. A groove 84 is formed in one vertical end and atongue 82 is formed on the opposite vertical end of component 14 a.

[0053] Corner component 20 also includes an elongate piece 90. Thispiece is modified somewhat from the previously described foundationpieces. In particular, piece 90 includes a vertical groove 84 a formedin one side edge thereof. However, piece 90 does not include a tongue atits opposite edge. A receptacle 80 a having a generally invertedT-shaped configuration extends form the base of groove 84 a to theopposite end of component 90. A ledge 74 a is formed on the insidesurface of component 90 a. Ledge 74 a does not extend for the entirelength of component 90. Rather, it terminates a distance from thevertical edge of piece 90 opposite the edge in which groove 84 a isformed. As a result a recess 93 is formed proximate one end of component90. The distance that the ledge terminates is approximately equal to thethickness of piece 20. A transverse, tapered tongue 94 extends frompiece 90 into recess 93. As best shown in FIG. 10, components 14 a and90 are interengaged to form an angle of 90°. In particular, one end ofpiece 14 a fits into recess 93 at the end of piece 90. Tongue 94 ofpiece 90 fits into groove 84 of piece 14 a in a generally matingfashion. As a result, pieces 14 a and 90 form an angle of 90°. Onceagain, an appropriate adhesive may be introduced between groove 84 andtongue 94. The distal end of piece 14 a carries a vertical tongue 82that fits into a complementary groove formed in an adjoining foundationcomponent 14. Similarly, groove 84 a formed in piece 90 receives thetongue of an adjoining foundation component. In this manner, two lengthsof interconnected foundation components may be joined at the corner ofthe building by corner component 20.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, exterior wall component 16 is mountedupon foundation component 14 such that lower edge 100 of component 16directly inter-engages upper edge 72 of component 14. As shown in FIG.1, at least some of the exterior wall components 16 may include windowsW or other standard features formed therein.

[0055] A representative component 16 is shown by itself in FIGS. 11 and12. In particular, this component includes a panel 102 that has agenerally rectangular configuration. The panel includes opposing lowerand upper edges 100 and 104, respectively. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and2, a relatively thick portion 106 may protrude from the outer face ofeach exterior wall component proximate upper edge 104. Such a protrusionis not depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0056] Each wall component 16 includes a lower receptacle 108 that isformed longitudinally in lower edge 100. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and12, receptacle 108 has a generally “T” shaped cross sectionalconfiguration that is identical or closely analogous to the shape ofreceptacle 80 in upper edge 72 of foundation component 14. Once again,receptacle 108 may comprise a void or opening or, more typically, mayinclude a steel or synthetic insert. Receptacles 108 and 80 abut in themanner best shown in FIG. 2 such that they are generally opposed to andaligned with one another. In this condition, the aligned receptacles 80and 108 slidably receive a connector element that comprises a “Z” shapedbar 110. This Z-shaped bar fits in the aligned receptacles such thatfoundation component 14 and wall component 16 are interlocked with oneanother and prevent it from separating. As a result, the wall componentsare securely connected to the underlying foundation components.Receptacles and connector pieces having differing configurations mayalso be used within the scope of this invention.

[0057] An additional receptacle 112, FIGS. 2 and 12, is formed in upperedge 104 of wall component 16. Receptacle 112 is typically constructedin a manner identical or similar to the previously describedreceptacles. In this case, receptacle 112 comprises an inverted “T”shaped cross sectional configuration. The receptacle extendslongitudinally through the upper edge of the wall component. A standardroof truss tie 114 features an L-shaped configuration including a foot116 that fits within the base 118 of receptacle 112. The verticalportion 120 of tie 114 likewise fits slidably within the verticalportion 122 of receptacle 112. The receptacle at the top of wallcomponent 16 allows standard truss ties 114 to be slid into position asshown in FIG. 1. In this manner, the roof of the structure may bemounted to the assembled exterior wall components. The truss ties may belocated quickly and conveniently even by unskilled workers. If thepositioning is initially incorrect, the truss ties may be quicklyrepositioned by simply sliding them through the upper receptacles 112into their proper positions.

[0058] Each wall component 16 carries a longitudinal tongue 124 alongone vertical side thereof. A longitudinal groove 126 is formed in theopposite vertical edge of the exterior wall component. The tongue andthe groove have complementary tapered cross sectional shapes similar tothose previously described for the tongue and groove formed in thefoundation component. Adjoining wall components 16 are interlocked bysimply inserting the tongue 124 from one of the wall components into thegroove 126 of the adjoining wall component. The adjoining wallcomponents thereby abut in an aligned manner analogous to thatpreviously described for the foundation components shown in FIG. 9.

[0059]FIG. 1 depicts a representative corner wall component 22, whichcontains a door D. It should be noted that doors and/or windows may beformed in one or more of the wall components 16, as well as in thecorner wall component 22. Corner component 22 is shown by itself in FIG.13. In this version, the component comprises a single unitary piecealthough, alternatively, multiple pieces may be featured. Moreparticularly, component 22 includes a pair of wall panels 130 and 132that are pre-cast or molded together at an angle of 90° or at other,non-perpendicular angles. As a result, component 22 has a generallyL-shaped cross sectional configuration best shown in FIG. 13. A pair oflongitudinal upper receptacles 112 a, which are analogous to thepreviously described receptacle 112, are formed within the upper surface104 a of component 22. One of the receptacles 112 a extendslongitudinally through panel 130 and the other receptacle 112 a extendslongitudinally through panel 132. The receptacles 112 a intersect andform an angle of 90° that intersect at point 140 and define an angle of90°. The distal vertical end of panel 130 includes a groove 126 a andthe distal end of panel 132 similarly includes a tapered tongue 124 a.The tongue and groove of the corner wall unit 122 have respective shapesand lengths that correspond to the tongues 124 and grooves 126 carriedby the exterior wall components 16. As a result, adjoining wallcomponents are interlocked and interengaged with corner component 22. Afirst wall component 16 abuts the distal end of panel 32 such that thegroove 126 in component 16 receives the tongue 124 a of panel 132.Similarly, an adjoining wall panel 16 abuts the distal end of panel 130such that the tongue of the wall component is received by groove 126 ain panel 130. When the wall components are assembled in this manner, theupper receptacles 112 in the wall components are aligned with thereceptacles 112 a formed in the corner panels with which the wallcomponents abut. A continuous linear receptacle is formed so that thetruss tie downs can be freely adjusted along the length of the walls ofthe building.

[0060] It should be understood that the pre-cast components describedherein may have various sizes and configurations other than those shownherein. Additionally, the components may be assembled in a wideassortment of arrangements within the scope of this invention. Aparticular building project may utilize various numbers and types of thecomponents described herein. The corner components may form angles otherthan 90°.

[0061] The use of the above described modular building componentspermits a concrete building to be assembled quickly, precisely andefficiently. Few, if any, delays are encountered. The modular componentsmay be assembled by a small crew of even unskilled or semi-skilledworkers. The individuals components are manufactured at a factory ratherthan in the field. This improves quality control and eliminatesmanufacturing miscalculations and costly and time consuming constructionerrors. The secure, reliable interconnection between the componentsachieves a building of superior structural integrity. The buildingresists severe weather conditions and is also quite fire resistant.

[0062] From the foregoing it may be seen that the apparatus of thisinvention provides for a pre-cast building system. While this detaileddescription has set forth particularly preferred embodiments of theapparatus of this invention, numerous modifications and variations ofthe structure of this invention, all within the scope of the invention,will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it isunderstood that this description is illustrative only of the principlesof the invention and is not limitative thereof.

[0063] Although specific features of the invention are shown in some ofthe drawings and not others, this is for convenience only, as eachfeature may be combined with any and all of the other features inaccordance with this invention.

[0064] Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and arewithin the following claims:

1. A precast building system comprising: an elongate footing componentincluding an upwardly facing longitudinal channel that has alongitudinal first keyway section formed therein; a foundation wallcomponent received by said channel and having an elongate second keywaysection facing and generally aligned with said first keyway section,said generally aligned keyway sections defining an elongate keyway forreceiving an adhesive material to secure together said footing andfoundation wall components; said foundation wall component furtherincluding a first receptacle formed in an upper edge thereof; and anupper wall component that interengages said foundation wall componentand having a lower edge that includes a second receptacle opposing saidfirst receptacle, said first and second receptacles receiving aconnector element, said receptacles and said connector element beingconfigured to hold together said upper wall component and saidfoundation wall component.
 2. The system of claim 1 in which said firstand second keyway sections have opposing dovetail shapes.
 3. The systemof claim 1 in which said first and second receptacles include opposing“T” shapes.
 4. The system of claim 1 in which each of said receptaclesextends longitudinally for substantially the entire length of saidfoundation wall component and said upper wall component respectively. 5.The system of claim 3 in which said connector element includes agenerally “Z” shaped configuration that fits within the opposing “T”shaped receptacles to hold together said foundation wall component andsaid upper wall component.
 6. The system of claim 1 further including asecond foundation wall component, one of the longitudinal ends of one ofsaid foundation wall components including a tongue and one of the endsof the other foundation wall component including a complementarilyshaped groove for receiving said tongue of the other said foundationwall component to interlock said foundation wall components in anadjoining, end-to-end arrangement.
 7. The system of claim 1 furtherincluding a second upper wall component, one of said upper wallcomponents including a side edge that carries a longitudinal tongue, theother said upper wall component including a side edge that carries anelongate groove for receiving said tongue to interlock said upper wallcomponents together in an adjoining arrangement.
 8. The system of claim1 further including a second footing component, one of said footingcomponents carrying a pocket proximate one end thereof and the othersaid footing component carrying an insertion member that is insertedinto said pocket to interlock said footing component together in anadjoining, end-to-end arrangement.
 9. The system of claim 6 in whichadhesive is contained between said tongue and said groove of saidadjoining upper wall components.
 10. The system of claim 7 in whichadhesive is contained between said tongue and said groove of saidadjoining foundation wall component.
 11. The system of claim 8 in whichan adhesive interconnects said pocket and said insertion member of saidadjoining footer components.
 12. The system of claim 1 further includinga corner footing component that includes a pair of elongate footingsections unitarily interconnected at an angle less than 180° to oneanother, each said footing section including a longitudinal channel anda longitudinal keyway section within said channel, said system furtherincluding a pair of elongate footing components, each having a pocketproximate one end thereof and an insertion member proximate the oppositeend thereof, each said footing sections carrying one of a pocket and aninsertion member for respectively interengaging said insertion memberand said pocket of an adjoining foundation component.
 13. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said foundation wall component further includes alongitudinal lip for supporting an edge of a floor slab.
 14. The systemof claim 13 further including a corner foundation wall componentcomprising an elongate member with a longitudinal receptacle formedtherein and a keyway section formed in said receptacle of said cornerfoundation wall component, said corner foundation component furtherincluding a lip that extends longitudinally along said elongate memberand terminates at a distance from one end of said member to form a notchproximate said end, a transverse tongue being formed on said cornerfoundation component within said notch, said foundation wall componentincluding a complementarily shaped end that has a groove for receivingsaid transverse tongue of said corner foundation component.
 15. Thesystem of claim 1 further including a corner upper wall component thatincludes a pair of panels permanently interconnected at an angle lessthan 180°, one of said panels having a distal side edge that includes anelongate wall groove and the other said panel including a distal sideedge that has an elongate wall tongue formed therein, each panel furtherincluding a longitudinal receptacle formed in a bottom edge thereof,said receptacle having elongate keyway formed therein, said receptaclesin said panels intersecting proximate a vertex of said corner of thewall component, said system further including an upper wall component,each upper wall component including a longitudinal tongue formed in oneside edge thereof and a longitudinal groove formed in the other sideedge thereof, said tongue carried by one of said corner panels fittinginto said groove of one of said wall components and said groove carriedby the other said panel receiving said tongue of the other said wallcomponent.
 16. The system of claim 1 in which said upper wall componentincludes an upper edge that has a longitudinal receptacle for receivinga roof truss tie down component, said longitudinal receptacle in saidupper edge of said upper wall component and said tie down componenthaving complementary shapes that restrict removal of said tie downcomponent from said receptacle.
 17. The system of claim 1 in which atleast one of said receptacles includes an insert component that isprecast into said associated one of said foundation wall and said upperwall components.
 18. The system of claim 17 in which said receptacle insaid upper edge of said upper wall component includes an insert that isprecast into said upper wall component.
 19. The system of claim 18 inwhich said receptacle in said upper edge of said upper wall componentincludes a generally inverted T-shaped configuration and said truss tiedown component is interlocked with and longitudinally slidable withinsaid upper edge receptacle.
 20. The system of claim 13 in which said lipincludes a longitudinal groove that receives a seal for restrictingintrusion of insects between the floor slab and said foundation wallcomponent.
 21. A pre-cast building system comprising: an elongatefooting component having a longitudinal first keyway section formedtherein; a foundation wall component interengaging said footingcomponent and having an elongate second keyway section facing andgenerally aligned with said first keyway section, said generally alignedkeyway sections defining an elongate keyway for receiving an adhesivematerial to secure together said footing and foundation wall components;said foundation wall component further including a first receptacleformed in an upper edge thereof; and an upper wall component thatinterengages said foundation wall component and having a lower edge thatincludes a second receptacle opposing said first receptacle, said firstand second receptacles receiving a connector element, said receptaclesand said connector element being configured to hold together said upperwall component and said foundation wall component.